davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
Better thar liangine.

Dr. Il. Ill. Gerrish of Portland, came be-
fore the committee on legal affairs and made
very interesting argument in favor of
change in the method of inflicting the death
penalty. DR.. Gerrish believes that, as capt.
tai punishment is prescribed by the law of
the State, the form of infliction should be as
painless as possible. He would, therefore,
favor the abolition of the gallows and the
substitution of the administration of NOR
phine by the hypodermic syringe. While he
admits that most hangings pass off without
accident, DR.. Gerrish asserts that many do
not, and that all opportunity for the occur
renee Of these exceptions should be avoided
He read newspaper clippings that he had
been collecting for some time, giving in
Stances where the criminals heads had been
pulled OFF, where the rope had frightened too
slowly and thus caused painful strangula-
ton: where the rope had broken and where
the drop had worked badly or not worked at
all. But II criminal SHOULD have injected
under his skin five or six grains of morphine
In a lew minutes he would be peacefully
asleep, and, with perhaps few more grains,
dead. The advantages of this method would
be; Its certainty, as the dose could not be re-
Jected as other poison might be; its painless
ness, as the prick of the needle of the syr-
lnge IS almost absolutely painless; its free
dom from the chances of the horrible dis
plays that frequently occur at hangings; the
reduction Of the dramatic element of a hang
ing to minimum; its inexpensiveness, COM
pared with the. costly hangings. To this
method DR.. Gerrish had heard these objec-
tions, all of which he answered: The sher-
iff might not have the skill to use the syringe
but very many people less intelligent than
snerlffs use the syringes ON themselves with
greatfacility. The time in dying would be
considerable; but death would be sure and
easy, and then not much longer than the
quickest hanging Opium eaters might be
able to Withstand the drug; but in the year
of imprisonment which preceded hanging
such would either have broken their opium
habit or died in the forced attempt. The
publicity would be lost and the people would
not be impressed; but this is what IS wanted
now by all intelligent people The crimi-
mails would dread hanging more; but the OBJ
lect Of capital punishment is not to inflict
torture on the criminal. Some say there is
no objection to having the criminal suffer
but that is equivalent to saying that torture
is desirable.
The committee listened to DIR. Gerrish with
great interest throughout, but it is doubtful
if they have the courage or inclination to re-
port so novel measure to this legislature
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
Secretary Manning Formally Resigns

Secretary Manning called at the White
House this afternoon and placed his resigna-
tion in the hands of the President, to take
of his successor. This action is taken in
order to allow Mr.. Manning to accept the
presidency of the Western National Bank Of
New York city. His letter of resignation
will not be made public for some days. 1t is
stated at the White House that no immedi-
ate appointment will be made to the Office
and that Mr.. Manning will continue to act
as secretary for several weeks. 1t is known
that the President parts with Mr.. Manning
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS.
Similar Experiences at Japan and
Sandwich Islands.

New YORK, Feb. IA private letter re-
ceiyed in this city from missionary teacher
in Toxic, Japan, describes an earthquake
which occurred there on Jan. 10, as the
were thrown down, both in Toxic and Yoko-
hama, and considerable damage was done,
though no lives were lost. This is the date
of the earthquake at Hawaii mentioned in a
San Francisco despatch published on Fri
day, when the volcano Mauna Loa became
active. The peculiarities of the earth vibra-
tions in the two remote places at the same
moment were very similar.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
THE DOMINION.
No Tenders Received for the Foreign
Mail Service.

OTTAWA, Ont, Feb. 14.--The postmaster
general states that, up to the present time,
no tenders for ocean mail seryic have been
received by the government, and under the
ter terminal point instead of Portland or
Boston, as formerly, he believes no tenders
will be received. Every company that has
any communication with the post office de-
partment on the subject represents that 1t
would be impossible for them to undertake
this service unless the Dominion government
granted very heavy subsidy, as compara-
lively little return in freight could be OBJ
tanned from Halifax. The subsidy now paid
for weekly service between Canada and Liv-
erpool, in which Portland is made the ter
minal point on this side of the Atlantic, is
$4,000 per annum.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
Three New Navy and Ordnance RIIIs.

Mr.. Cameron's bill for the increase of the
navy provides for the construction under
contract of ten protected steel cruisers, with
such armament for each as the navy depart
ment may deem suitable, each vessel to have
maximum speed of twenty knots, under
tests and conditions imposed by the navy de-
partment, before being accepted by the gov
ernment. The aggregate cost of all the cruis-
ers, exclusive of armament is not to exceed
S15,000,000, for the appropriation of which
sum the bill provides$4, 500, 900 additional for
armament. 1t is also provided that in case
either of the vessels shall ON trial display a
speed greater than twenty knots, a bonus
shall be paid to the contractor Of $4,000 for
the first knot in excess Of twenty knots,
$15O0O0 for the second knot in excess of the
requirements, and of 100000 for each addi-
tional knot beyond requirements.
Mr.. Hale's bill apppropriates the following
sums of money, ito be expended by the Pres
ident at his discretion, upon plans and speci-
cations to be furnished by the navy depart
ment: For torpedoes and torpedo applian-
ces to be operated from naval vessels, float
ing batteries or rams. 5000, 600; for the con-
struction of heavily armored vessels or ar
mored floating batteries or rams, to be used
for coast and harbor defense, $4,000; for the
construction of flight-draught gun boats suita-
BILE for interior waterways and canal service,
| $1,000 900; for the construction of torpedo
boats Of the highest attainable speed and eff
! ficiency, $6O0,O00
| Mr.. Stanford's bill, also introduced in the
| Senate provides that if firms or individuals
| to be designated by the secretaries of wal
| and the navy, will establish at South Boston,
ton, Pittsburg, San Francisco and Birming'
ham, Ala, ordinance plants capable of turn
| ing out 100-ton guns, the United States will
| guarantee to each foundry annually con.
| tracts amounting to 81, 100000.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
Off for the North Pole.

CHICAGO, Feb. IA Times special from
Winnipeg say: Another effort is about to
be made to discover the North Pole. Yes
terday evening Alex. Macarthur well up in
sciences, and who has made a special study
of the Arctic exploration, accompanied by a
drug clerk named Young started for Selkirk
with a load of provisions of about 1400
pounds, his destination being the North
Pole. He will travel by means of sledges.
Before he left he stated that he would not
probably return for two or three years.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
a Circular from Commander Fair
child.

MADISON, Wis, Feb 14.-The following
Headquarters of the Grand Army of The
Republic, signed by ommander.in-C CHIEF
Fairchild: ''In view of the recent veto Of
the dependent pension bill, and of the very
great Importance of that measure to MANI
of our disabled comrades, who need, and are
that posts and comrades everywhere by re.
solutions and letters, Immediately inform
members of Congress, who are entitled To-
and will gladly receive these expressions Of
opinion, Of their approval or disapproyal Of
the principles involved in the vetoed bill
Comrades are requested to move at once
without waiting for printed circular. -
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
Legislative Notice.

Application having been made to the Legislature
for authority for any railroad corporation, which
may be formed under the general laws of the
State to construct railroad from the terminus of
the York Harbor and Beach Railroad in York,
throught the towns OF York and Wells to munc-
tion with the Boston and Maine Railroad near
Coles Corner, so called, in the town of Wells, to
Construct its railroad across tide waters notice is
hereby given that the Committee on Railroads,
Telegraphs and Expresses, will have 4 hearing ofl
said application at their room on Wednesday, the
twenty-third day of February, at half past two in
the afternoon; all persons interested will govern
themselves accordingly.
Per order of the Committee,
JAMES f. HAWKES., Secretary.
Augusta, Feb g. 1887 feb5sntd
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
SPECIAL NOTICES.
Public Notice.

Notice is hereby given that public hearing win
be had before the Judiciary Committee in its
room at the State House on an order TO inquire
into the expedlency OF amending the law relative
cases, on WEDNESDAY, February I6th at
$50 D. m.
Also on the same day and at the same place. on
an order relative to the adulteraton of molasses
and other food.
Also on February 18th, at the same place. on
petitions for the enactment of law for the pre-
yention OF bribery and intimidation at elections
- ANDREW p. WISWELL.
teDlz snbt
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
condemning President cIeveIand's
Veto.

LAWRENCE, Mass, Feb. 14--A at largely
attended special meeting of Needham Post,
adopted cOndemning President Cleveland's s
veto of the dependent pension bill as ''gross
injustice to disabled veterans of the repub-
lic,' and asserting that the veto declares
that the aims house in life, and pauper' S
a nation which these men helped to save"
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
Public Notice.

Notice is hereby given that public hearing
will be had before the Judiciary Committee in its
room at the State House. Wednesday. Feb. %, at
2.30 p. m upon the subject of the competition Of
convict labor with the industries of the State.
Manufacturers and others who have practical
suggestions TO make are respectfully requested to
be present or forward heir views.
ANDREW p. WISWELL,
feD12sntd See. Jud. Com.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
MAIN e.
Arctic Weather In Maine.

WELcHvILLE, Feb. 14.-At o'clock this
morning this thermometer indicated 25o be-
low zero, at Welchville.
EAST WILTON, Feb. 14.-260 below zero at
East Wilton this morning.
CANTON, Feb. 14.-It was 20o below zero
at Dixfeld this morning, and 27o below zero
at Canton.
NORTH VAssALBoRo, Feb. 14.-Monday
morning was the coolest of the winter, the
mercury reaching $50 below zero.
SABATIs, Feb. 1.-THE thermometer show
ed 24o below zero at Z a. nj. Monday.
Bangor & Piscataquis Railroad.
BANGOR, Feb 14.-Hon. A. G. Wakefield
has been elected president of the Bangor &
Piscataquis railroad in place of Hon. VIM.
b. Hayford, deceased. The meeting passed
resolutions opposing the construction of the
proposed railroad from Moosehead Lake
and Bangor & Katahdin Iron Works line
Fire at North Berwick.
BERWICK, Feb. 14.-The farm buildings of
William and Joseph Hall, at North Berwick,
were destroyed by fire yesterday. Loss $4,-
600; insurance $25OO The fire was incen-
diary. Several head Of cattle were burned.
Proposed Scheme of Enterprising
Citizens.
SAco, Feb. 1.-THE leading citizens of
Saco and Biddeford are talking Of a scheme
to construct a lock in the mouth of the river
so that water will not rise and fall with
tides. The objects are to keep water fresh;
to make the river more beautiful to increase
ice harvesting and shipping, and become rid
of a sand bar across the mouth of the river.
1t is proposed to recommend the expenditure
for this purpose of part of the $25, 900 recent
ly appropriated by the government for the
improvements on the river and breakwater.
Discharged from jail.
DOVER, n. H., Feb. 14-John B. Domini-
que. the grocer of Great Falls, who alleged
kidnapping from Great Falls over into Maine
for debt due Portland merchant, by a
Maine sheriff, has been discharged from
York county Jail at Alfred, having affected
settlement.
Elected a Bark President.
BANGOR, Feb. 14.-Hon. ]. S. Wheel
wright was to-day elected president Of the
Kenduskeag National Bank, vice William b.
Hayford deceased.
Ice for the South.
THoMAsToN, Feb 14.-Schooner Matte E.
Eaton new Gamage, master, has gone to
Rockport, Me-, to load ice for Portsmouth,
Va.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
Kelly Signed by the Boston.

PoUGHKEEPsIE, N. Y, Feb. 14.-The Bos-
Kelly, the released Chicago right fielder,
$1,000 for his services the coming season, and
to give hime $1,000 for his photograph to
place in the clubs album making his COM
pensation for season $4,000. Kelly received
only $2250 from Chicagos last year.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
viii Hear the Texans Today

The Texas investigation committee of the
Senate met this morning, but as some Of the
members had other committee meetings to
ination of witnesses till 10 O'Clock tomorrow
morning. After formally organizing, the
committee adjourned for the day.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
The West Virginia Senatorial Con-
test

CHARLESTON, Feb. 14-The eighteenth
ballot was cast in joint assembly today for
United States Senator, There was no break
as was expected. The vote was as follows:
Camden Oem.) So; Edwin Maxwell Rep.)
80; Okey johnson Dem.) 12, Barbee (Gr.)
and Newman (Dem) one each.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
Senatorial Contests.

TRENTON, N. j., Feb 14-The Republican
joint caucus nominated to-day VIM. J. Sewall
for United States Senator Three members
strongly protested against him and then
withdrew to the anteroom. The result of the
Democratic caucus is not known.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
The Burlington Carnival.

BURLINGTON, VT, Feb. 14.-The second
annual winter carnival of the Burlington
Coasting Club was successfully inaugurated
tonight, and in manner which promises an
ejoyable week OF sport. A grand opening of
coasting was held tonight and crowds were
present.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
NOfice.

hearing, onTHURSDAY, Feb. 18th. at 21s p. M,
in the Senate Chamber, at Augusta, on an Act to
create the Roman Catholic Bishop, of the Diocese
of Portland and his successors a corporation SOLE
pAy5D II. COLE, Chairmen.
AMOS L. ALLEN, Secretary.
Augusta, Feb 8, 1887.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15

Charles X, Chase, an influential citizen Of
Rochester, N. H.. died at his home SUNDAY
night. lie was prominent State temper
ance reformer, and at the last election was
the temperance candidate for Congress.
The dwellings of Mrs. Thomas Kennard
ana Mrs. James 5. Lowering at Exeter, NJ
H., with their contents, were badly damaged
Dy nre yesterday morning. Loss $1,000.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
Ice for the South,
FROM BOSTON.
Doc. wilson Agrees to Keep Quiet.

BosToN, Feb. IA recent despatch from
Providence stating that doc" Levi Wilson
had withdrawn his motion for new trial in
the MIlson-Moen case, was confirmed this
heard the argument for new trial TODAY,
but stated that the case had been settled by
the appealing party, who agrees to accept
the verdict rendered in the previous trial.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
Restored to the State.

picture that was State property. Ex-Secre-
tary Belknap happened to mention, little
while ago, that he, as Brigadier General OF
Iowa troops, took from its frame over the
Speakers chair in the State House at Colum-
bia, the night the city was set on fire, a steel
came to Wade Hampton's ears, and he at
once wrote Belknap asking that the picture
De restored. The ex-Secretary and ex-Brig-
adler complied, and the picture will be re-
hung in the Capitol
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
Another Story About the Canadian

OTTAWA, Feb. 14.-It is denied officially
that two cruisers are to be ordered to Half
fax for the purpose of cooperating in the
enforcement of the fisheries treaty.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
The Cattle Disease.

The joint committe of the Senate and
House appointed to investigate the outbreak
of tuberculosis at the State College farm are
to begin work in earnest this week. One of
them said to-day; 1--WE shall summon every
superintendent who has had charge of the
college stock in all the years back; we have
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
York HarbOr and Beach Railroad Conn

pauy.
Application having been made to the Legislature
for authority to extend the railroad Of said Com
pany through the towns of York and Wells to a
junction with the Boston and Maine Railroad near
Coles Corner, so called, in said Wells, notice is
hereby given that a hearing on said application
will be had by the Committee on Railroads. Tele-
graphs and Expresses, at their room on Wednes-
day, February at half past two O'Clock
in the afternoon and all persons interested there
n will govern themselves accordingly.
Persorder of the Committee,
JAMES f. HAWKES., Secretary.
Augusta. FEB. 3. 1887. Ieb5dtdsn
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
a Fair Opened by President cIeve-
land

SYRACUSE, n. Y, Feb. 14.-The great fair
for the benefit of st. Josephs' hospital was
opened by telegraph by President Cleveland
at o'clock today. The fair is held in the
State armory and all Syracuse takes part in
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
A Law Without the Presidents Sig

President Cleveland has allowed the bill
appropriating S4OO,O00a year to provide for
arms and equipments for the militia to be-
come law without his signature. The con-
stltutional limitation of ten days within
pired Saturday. His failure to sign the bill
IS regarded as an oversight as he was not
known to object to any of its provisions.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
connery Confirmed,

The Senate in secret session this afternoon
confirmed the nomination of Thomas M.
Connery of New York to be secretary of the
United States legation at Mexico
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
Pensions Granted.
Pensions have been gra

Pensions have been granted to the follow
ing Maine people:
Stanley, father of Leonard @. Small, Pittsield
Amos g. Goodwin original, Biddeford.
Richard Alder, original, Portland
Stephen w. Neal, original, Waits.
BENJAMIN =. Webb, increase, Caribou.
George p. Underwood, restoration Saco.
John ID. Clark, restoration and increase, Frank
lin.
Stephen r. Philbrick, reissue, Rangeley.
Alfred p. Shule, restoration and reissue, Brad
ford.
James II. Syphers, reissue, Blaine.
Freeman Jones, reissue, Washington.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15

The Presidents veto of the dependent rel
atiyes pension bill was discussed without
result today by the House committee on in
valid pensions.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
THE MAINE STATE PRESS,
THE WEATHER.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10.
The indications for Maine, New Hamp-
shire and Vermont are local rains and
slightly warmer followed by lower tempera-
ture.
LOCAL WEATHER REPORT
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
PendIeton to Return to Berlin.

that after few days longer stay in Wash
ington he would go home to Cincinnati for
visit OF week or two, and then return to
his post at Berlin. This would seem to dis
pose of the story that he was recalled by
the President with view to putting him at
the head Of the Treasury Department.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
Death of an Authoress,

TORONTO, Ont, Feb. 14.-Isabella Valan-
cy Crawford, the authoress, died in this city
to-day: She was one Of the best known of
Canadian writer's.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
THE PORTLAND DAD PRESS,

Published every day (Sundays a ,ed) by the
PORTLAND PUBLISHING \ VI my,
AT 81 EXCHANGE STREET. Porn <yk ME.
TERMS Dohars Year. To h ". ~
scrbers, Seven Dollars Year, II paid in ao ~
RATES or ADyERTIsING-One inch of So
the length OF column or twelve lines nonpdre
constitutes square"
S1.5o per square, daily, first week; 75 cents per
week after; three insertions or less 81 90 con-
tinuing every other day after first week. so cents.
Half square, three insertions or less, 10 cents !;
one week, $1.00; 30 cents per week after
SPECIAL NOTICES, one-third additional
Under head OF "AMUsEMENTs" and "AUCTIoN
SALES" 500 per square per week; three inser-
tions or less, S1.50.
THE MAINE STATE PRESS,
Published every THURSDAY MORNING, at $3.50
year; II paid in advance, $500 year.
Advertisements inserted in the 'MAINE STATE
PRESS" (Which has a large circulation in every
part of the State) for S1O0 per square for first in
sertion, and 90 cents per square for each subse
quent insertion.
address all communications TO
PORTLAND PUBLISHING co.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15
Public Notice .

VHE hearing before the Judiciary Committee
n upon the question of capital punishment,
heretofore advertised for the 15 inst, is postponed
to the oath of February, In the Representative IS
Hail. at 2.30 p. IN.
ANDREW p. WISWELI,
feb14sndtd Sec. Jud. Com.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15

with sincere regret, and that he reluctantly
consents to his withdrawal from the Cabi-
net Secretary Manning left this city at
4.15 o'clock this afternoon for Albany via
New York. He was accompanied by Mrs.
Manning, Miss Manning and Robert IL.
Fryer. He expects to return to Washington
Friday or Saturday.
The Portland daily press., 1887-02-15

| already summoned Secretary Gilbert and
| commissioners Bailey and Bell, and we shall
| also have from them the whole story of their
| disagreement about the outbreak of disease
| We shall see if there is sny foundation for
| the charges that Mr.. Gilbert was perversely
slow in taking the right steps. Then there
| will probably be summoned some of the own
| ers of those bulls and men who bought
| other diseased cattle at the college farm. We
| are going to the bottom of this matter, and
| shall spread out before the farmers Of the
| state the whole matter and make it clear as
day." The investigation is likely to begin
next Friday.
Mr.. Fogg introduced today, bill to more
clearly define the equity iurisd iction of the
| Supreme Judicial Court
The Supreme Judicial Court shall have
jurisdiction in equity TO reach and apply in pay
est, real or personal of debtor, liable to be at
tached, or taken on execution in suit at law
on ks % On
purchased or directly or indirectly paid fer by
MN, the record or other title to which is retained
IN the vendor, or is conveyed TO third person
with intent to defeat, delay defraud the credi
tors OF the debtors.
Remonstrances of citizens of Phippsburg
and Woolwich are coming in against making
Bay Bridge, Arrowsc Bridge, Sagahahoc
Ferry or the Peoples Ferry free.
Mr.. Condon's dentestry bill was taken
from the table this afternoon in the House,
and referred to the committee on legal af-
fairs.
Mr.. Manley's resolution urging the pas
sage of the Millet bill in the National Con-
gress has finally passed.
The York county delegation met tonight
and voted to recommend loan of not more
than $4,000 for indexing deeds
The legal affairs committee decided to-
night to report legislation inexpedient on the
bill to provide for a secret ballot.